Met Gala: Best Dressed

Colman Domingo: Contemporary Take on Garden of Time

Colman Domingo made a striking appearance in a design by Willy Chavarria, perfectly aligned with the Met Gala's 'Garden of Time' theme. His look featured a sleek double-breasted suit paired with a dramatic cape, which served as a heartfelt tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman and André Leon Talley, both of whom famously wore capes to the Met Gala before their passing. While florals were a dominant trend this year, Domingo offered a modern interpretation through his use of Calla Lilies. The elegant white flowers, wrapped in black satin were incorporated throughout his ensemble, adding depth and contrast to the timeless floral motif.

Tyla: Where Culture Meets Couture

Tyla made a memorable debut at the 2024 Met Gala in a custom Balmain gown that embodied the theme 'Garden of Time'. While many attendees embraced florals in line with the 'Garden of Time' theme, Tyla, drawing from her South African roots, offered a unique interpretation of the outdoors, channeling the beach instead of the garden and setting herself apart with one of the night’s most innovative looks. The sculpted sand dress was moulded directly to her body, creating a striking silhouette that appeared as though she had been buried on a beach. Crafted from three different shades of sand and embedded with micro-crystal studs, the gown shimmered with texture and detail. Due to its restrictive design, Tyla had to be carried up the Met Steps by security, making the moment even more iconic.

Rihanna: All or Nothing

Rihanna stunned at the Met Gala in a show-stopping look by Maison Margiela for the 'Heavenly Bodies' theme, solidifying her status as a true Met Gala icon. Topped with a bishop’s hat by Stephen Rose Millinery and adorned in Cartier jewelry, her ensemble was a masterclass in high fashion and religious iconography. The pearl and jewel-encrusted cape and bodice shimmered with intricate detail. Completing the look were custom-made Christian Louboutins, adding to the overall elegance. While it’s difficult to choose just one standout Rihanna look, this one is undeniably etched in Met Gala history as one of the most unforgettable.

Kim Kardashian: The Power of a Silhouette

This Balenciaga look for the Met Gala theme 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion' sparked significant controversy when it debuted in 2018, people either loved it or hated it, but there's no denying that it was truly iconic. Despite her face being completely obscured, her distinctive silhouette made it instantly clear that it was Kim Kardashian. The mask was the defining element; without it, the outfit might have been dismissed as dull or uninspired. The mask made the entire ensemble, transforming what could have been a simple full-body stocking paired with an oversized T-shirt dress featuring a long train, gloves, and boots into an unforgettable fashion moment.

Zendaya: Hero, Warrior, Icon.

Zendaya’s 2018 Met Gala look was a standout moment that deserves special recognition. Inspired by the 'Heavenly Bodies' theme, she channeled one of Catholicism’s most iconic figures: Joan of Arc. Her look featured a classic waved copper bob reminiscent of the hairstyle seen in historical portraits of Joan, paired with a striking armored neck and shoulder piece that symbolised the warrior’s bravery during the Hundred Years’ War. Zendaya wore a custom Versace ensemble complete with a dramatic chainmail train, fully embodying the spirit of divine strength and heroism.

Jared Leto: A Head-Turning Gucci Statement

Jared Leto's 2019 Met Gala appearance, under the theme 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' was undeniably one of the most talked-about looks of the night. Dressed in Gucci, Leto embraced the theatrical and over-the-top spirit of the theme with a bold red silk turtleneck gown featuring a diamond-encrusted string bodice. But what truly stole the spotlight was his unforgettable accessory: a lifelike replica of his own head, which he carried up the iconic Met steps. The surreal piece was a direct nod to Gucci’s Milan Fashion Week show earlier that year, where similar “head clutches” made their debut. Love it or find it bizarre, the look perfectly captured the exaggerated, ironic essence of camp.

Billy Porter: Fashion is a Performance

Billy Porter's 2019 Met Gala look, designed by The Blonds, was a show-stopping embodiment of the 'Camp: Notes on Fashion' theme and delivered one of the most unforgettable entrances in the event’s history. Draped in a gold catsuit with a dramatic 10-foot wingspan and crowned with a 24-karat gold headpiece, Porter channeled the Sun God of Ancient Egypt, known for his radiant power and bird-like features. His custom-made gold leaf shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti added to the opulence. But it wasn’t just the outfit that captured attention, Porter made a grand entrance carried on a chaise lounge by six shirtless men, turning the red carpet into pure theatre. He later explained that the concept was born from a desire to merge fashion with performance art, emphasising that “fashion is a performance". He also used the moment to challenge traditional gender norms in fashion, stating his intention to wear what he loves, regardless of rules or expectations.